With companies like WWE and, to a lesser extent AEW, putting a greater focus on protecting the health of wrestlers, we're seeing in-ring careers lasting much longer than in previous eras.
Many choose to work a part-time schedule, with John Cena having done so since 2018. Now, he'll end his career on his own terms this year at the age of 48. However, what of the new face of WWE, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes?
In a new interview, the American Nightmare made it clear that he has no plans to wrestle forever.
"Well, [I'm] 39 now, I’d say my contract is running until I don’t want to wrestle full time, definitely, past 45 okay. Drop-in? For sure. Keep myself in shape...I would love to tell stories like we do in the ring, in a different fashion."
"I would absolutely love, love to do [movies], but I’ve always been so linked into wrestling and coming back to WWE, where winning the championship for WWE is essentially like being the quarterback of the team," Rhodes continued. "So, it’s been the most fun and rewarding time I’ve ever had in my career, but I can definitely see, I don’t think I’d be able to do it on this level - because I feel the best I’ve ever felt."
"I feel the best I’ve ever felt at what to do in front of a live crowd, plus we have all these new kids. I was working with one the other day, Carmelo Hayes, really young guy coming up from our developmental system. To be able to see him, hear things, and hear an audience and, "Okay, this is why that didn’t work. This is why it did work.'"
He added, "I’d love to do it at this level, up until probably 45."
That still gives us at least another half a decade of Rhodes in a WWE ring, though whether he'll continue working such a jam-packed schedule in the coming years remains to be seen. AJ Styles, who is 47, returned late last year for what was set to be his final run only to suffer an injury almost immediately.
The point is, there are risks when it comes to competing beyond a certain point and it sounds like Rhodes has a clear idea of what he wants to do and when the right time to hang up his boots will be. That should ensure he can remain healthy in and away from the ring.
Check out the full interview in the player below.